Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Get up close to what is possibly Scotland's oldest standing castle. Aberdour Castle was built in the 1100s and went on to serve generations of three noble families – including a Regent of Scotland!

About Aberdour Castle and Gardens

	Aberdour Castle and Gardens , Aberdour KY3 0SL
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	Aberdour Castle and Gardens Website
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Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Days Out

Aberdour Castle has seen 500 years of noble living, serving as a residence to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph and Douglas families. Today, its ruined structures and roofed buildings show clearly how a medieval castle could be extended and adapted over time.

First built to give its owner a secure place of strength and comfortable lodgings, Aberdour was later enlarged in several stages. It became an extensive, outward-looking residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds.

The castle tells us a great deal about changes in architectural and domestic fashion as well as about the rising fortunes of its owners.

The Douglas family left their mark, raising the height of the hall-house to make Aberdour into a more typical tower house castle and adding further ranges of buildings. Explore the impressive complex and its delightful walled garden and terraces.

What to see and do:
• Enter part of the hall-house built in the 1100s – perhaps one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland, though later extensively adapted

• Play hide and seek among the large and imposing complex of buildings dating from the 1100s to the 1600s

• Gaze up at the painted ceiling in the east range – a precious remnant from the early 1600s

• Imagine life as a medieval noble as you roam around the fragrant walled garden and along the terraces above the Forth

• Stop by St Fillan’s Church (next to Aberdour Castle), a fine example of a Norman church of the 1100s

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Upcoming Events at Aberdour Castle and Gardens

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The Mythical Mystery Hunt

11th October 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Aberdour Castle and Gardens, Aberdour

This autumn, follow Historic Environment Scotland's family trails to discover some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore.

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